ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Application Deadline for the National Startup Awards 2023 extended till15th June 2023
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry introduced the National Startup Awards  in 2020. The applications for National Startup Awards 2023 have been made live from 1st April 2023 and the deadline for submissions is now extended to 15th June 2023.
The extension of the National Startup Awards 2023 application deadline allows aspiring entrepreneurs and enablers additional time to showcase their innovative solutions and profound societal impact.
The National Startup Awards 2023 will commemorate innovations from all corners of the country, aligning with the vision of 'Vision India @2047', which charts the path for India's transformation into a developed economy, driven by the spirit of Amrit Kaal across key themes.
DPIIT will award a cash prize of INR 10 lakhs to one winning startup in each category. Furthermore, the winners and finalists of the National Startup Awards 2023 will receive exclusive handholding support, including access to investors and government networks, mentorship programs, international market exposure, connections with corporates and unicorns, and various other valuable resources.
Through three successful editions, these prestigious awards have highlighted the invaluable contributions made by visionaries who have revolutionized the Indian startup ecosystem. NSA was started with the aim of bestowing recognition and rewards upon exceptional startups and enablers within the startup ecosystem. These entities have been instrumental in fostering innovation, creating groundbreaking products, and exhibiting tangible social impact.
Interested participants are encouraged to visit the official National Startup Awards website and submit their applications before the revised deadline of 15th June 2023.
For more details, visit https://www.startupindia.gov.in/
Prime Minister's Office
PM speaks to Bihar CM regarding flood situation in the State; assures all support to Bihar government
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has spoken to the Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Nitish Kumar regarding the flood situation in parts of the state.
The Prime Minister tweeted that the Centre has assured all support to the Bihar government to mitigate the flood situation and that the situation is being monitored closely.
“My thoughts are with all those affected by floods in parts of Bihar. The situation is being monitored closely.
Centre assures all support to Bihar government to mitigate the flood situation. Teams of NDRF are in Bihar for rescue and relief work”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
All 4,372 Urban Local Bodies/ Cities practising scientific disposal of Municipal Solid Waste
All the 4,372 Urban Local Bodies / Cities are practising scientific disposal of Municipal Solid Waste  as per the Municipal Solid Waste  Rules, 2016. The details are as under :
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Type of Solid Waste Management  activity
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Practicing wards
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Total wards
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Percent progress
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Door-to-door collection of waste.
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86,228
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88,803
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97.10 %
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100 % Source segregation of waste.
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72,493
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88,803
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81.63 %
Out of 1,40,980 Tonnes Per Day  of municipal waste being generated in the country, 68% i.e., 96,259 TPD, is being processed in a scientific manner.
The infrastructure for treating the MSW in the country includes adoption of the practice of door-to-door collection of waste, 100% segregation at source and scientific processing of the waste. Various methods for scientific processing of waste include production of compost and electricity from waste, bio-methanisation, material recovery facilities and recycling of Construction and Demolition  waste, etc.
Under SBM-U, 35% of the total approved cost of SWM projects is released as Central Assistance , which in turn is transferred by the States/ Union Territory Administrations to the respective Municipal Corporations/ ULBs, after adding the State Share.
As informed by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, identified manual scavengers and their dependants are provided following benefits for their rehabilitation:
 One Time Cash Assistance of ₹40,000/- to one identified manual scavenger in the family.
 Skill Development Training to identified manual scavengers and their dependants with stipend @ ₹3,000/- per month.
 Concessional loan for self employment projects with capital subsidy upto ₹5.00 lakhs.
 Under Swachhta Udyami Yojana of National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation, concessional loans with capital subsidy upto ₹5.00 lakh are provided to Safai Karamcharis, manual scavengers & their dependants for procurement of sanitation related instruments/vehicles for mechanized cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Kaushal Kishore, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves extension of the term of the Fifteenth Finance Commission up to 30th November, 2019
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approvedthe extension of the term of Fifteenth Finance Commission up to 30th November, 2019. It will enable the Commission to examine various comparable estimates for financial projections in view of reforms and the new realities to finalise its recommendations for the period 2020-2025.
Background:
The Fifteenth Finance Commission has been constituted by the President on 27tn November, 2017 in ' pursuance of clause  of article 280 of the Constitution and Finance Commission  Act, 1951. The Commission was to submit its Report on the basis of its Terms of Reference  by 30th October, 2019 covering a period of five years commencing from 1st April, 2020.
The constitution of the Commission has been in the backdrop of various major fiscal/budgetary reforms introduced by the Union Government in the past four years like closure of the Planning Commission and its replacement by NITl Aayog, removal of distinction between Non-Plan and Plan expenditure, advancing the budget calendar by one month and passing of the full budget before commencement of the new financial year i.e. on 1st February, introduction of Goods and Services Tax  from July 2017 and New FRBM architecture with debt and fiscal deficit path.
The ToR of the Commission takes intoaccount the above fiscal/budgetary reforms. The task of determining the expenditure and receipts of the Union and State governments based on which the Commission shall make its recommendations is time consuming, as checks for data consistency across time and data sets become challenging.
Ministry of Finance
Growth of deposits and advances of PSBs improves from 8.2% and 9.8% in FY2021-22 to 9.3% and 15.8% in FY2022-23, respectively
The Public Sector Banks  take all commercial and business-related decisions as per their board approved policies. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
As a result of the steps taken, the growth of deposits and advances of PSBs has improved from 8.2% and 9.8% in FY2021-22 to 9.3% and 15.8% in FY2022-23, respectively.
The Minister stated that as per the Banking Companies  Act, 1970 and 1980, and the State Bank of India Act, 1955, the general superintendence, direction and management of the affairs and business of the PSBs vests in its Board.
Giving more information, the Minister stated that as per inputs received from PSBs, several steps have been taken by them to address the rising competition in the deposits segment, enhance their ability to generate high-yield advances and strengthen their CASA acquisition, increase coverage of early warning signals and identify high-risk borrowers, and improve operational efficiency and customer experience, which include, inter alia, the following –
- Continuous product innovation and segment specific product offerings using analytics to drive customer retention;
- Smooth and seamless onboarding of customers by leveraging technology, like use of Video KYC, digital KYC verification;
- Strategic approach for retention of existing deposits and new deposit acquisition and digitally enabled customer offerings;
- Enhancement of access to mobile and Internet banking through increase in average number of services offered, customer-friendly features, and regional languages available on the customer interface;
- Thrust on customer-need-driven, analytics-based credit offers by large PSBs and enablement of digital retail loan request initiation through digital channels;
- Instituting comprehensive and automated Early Warning Systems , with ~80 EWS triggers and use of third-party data for time-bound remedial actions;
- Use of prediction models to identify potential NPAs; and
. Use of modern technological capabilities, e.g. Open API, AI, blockchain, analytics, etc.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Scientists discover almost 35 million years old rare snake fossil from Ladakh Himalaya
Scientists have reported spotting of the fossil of a Madtsoiidae snake from the molasse deposits of Ladakh Himalaya for the first time indicating their prevalence in the subcontinent for much longer time than previously thought.
Madtsoiidae is an extinct group of medium-sized to gigantic snakes, firstly appeared during the late Cretaceous and mostly distributed in the Gondwanan landmasses, although, their Cenozoic record is extremely scarce. From the fossil record, the whole group disappeared in the mid-Paleogene across most Gondwanan continents except for Australia where it survived with its last known taxon Wonambi till late Pleistocene.
Dr. Ningthoujam Premjit Singh , Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sehgal, and Mr. Abhishek Pratap Singh from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, India in association with Dr. Rajeev Patnaik and Mr. Wasim Abass Wazir from Panjab University Chandigarh; Dr. Navin Kumar and Mr. Piyush Uniyal from Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, and Dr. Andrej Čerňanský of Comenius University Slovakia have reported for the first time a Madtsoiidae snake from the late Oligocene  of India or the molasse deposits of Ladakh Himalaya.
The occurrence of Madtsoiidae from the Oligocene of Ladakh indicates their continuity at least to the end of the Paleogene . The research published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology shows that the members of this group were successful in this subcontinent for much longer time than previously thought. The global climatic shifts and the prominent biotic reorganization across the Eocene-Oligocene boundary , did not cause the extinction of this important group of snakes in India.
The newly described specimen is housed in the repository of Wadia Institute, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2021.2058401
Figure. Madtsoiidae indet. from Ladakh Himalaya. The specimen WIMF/A 4816 in A, dorsal; B, ventral; C, D, lateral; E, anterior ; F, posterior  views. Virtual slices of the vertebra with a special emphasis on the parazygantral foramina: G, horizontal; H, coronal.
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SNC/RR
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Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Khadi Village Industries Commission  Records Highest Ever Turnover in FY 2020-21 Despite Covid-19 Pandemic
In a year completely marred by Covid-19 pandemic, Khadi and Village Industries Commission  has recorded its highest-ever turnover. In the year 2020-21, KVIC registered a gross annual turnover of Rs. 95,741.74crores, as compared to Rs. 88,887 crores turnover in 2019-20, thus, registering an increase of 7.71%.
KVIC’s record performance in 2020-21 assumes great significance as production activities remained suspended for more than three months during the nationwide lockdown announced on March 25 last year. During this period, all Khadi production units and sales outlets too remained closed that severely affected the production and sales. However, KVIC swiftly rose to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s clarion calls for “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Vocal for Local”. The innovative marketing ideas of Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Nitin Gadkari further diversified KVIC’s product range, scaled up local production and paved the way for Khadi’s successive growth.
Compared to the year 2015-16, the overall production in Khadi and Village Industry sectors in 2020-21 has registered a whopping growth of 101% while the gross sales during this period increased by 128.66%.
A host of initiatives like launch of Khadi e-portal, Khadi masks, Khadi footwear, Khadi Prakritik Paint, Khadi hand sanitizers, etc., setting up of a record number of new PMEGP units, new SFURTI clusters, Government’s push to “Swadeshi” and KVIC’s historic agreements with Paramilitary forces for supply of provisions increased the turnover of village industry sector during the pandemic. Compared to the production of Rs. 65,393.40 crores in 2019-20, the production in village industry sector increased to Rs. 70,329.67 crores in 2020-21. Similarly, in FY 2020-21, the sales of village industry products stood at Rs. 92,214.03 crores as compared to Rs. 84,675.29 crores in 2019-20.
The production and sales in the Khadi sector, however, slightly declined as spinning and weaving activities across the country took a major hit during the pandemic. The overall production in the Khadi sector in 2020-21 was recorded at Rs. 1904.49 crores as compared to Rs. 2292.44 crores in 2019-20, while the overall Khadi sales stood at Rs. 3527.71 crore as compared to Rs. 4211.26 crore in the previous year.
KVIC Chairman Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena said that during the Pandemic people responded enthusiastically to the calls of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Vocal for Local”. He said that during this period, KVIC’s main focus was to create sustainable employment for artisans and unemployed youth. Faced with economic distress, a large number of youths took up self-employment and manufacturing activities under PMEGP which increased the production in the village industry sector. At the same time, the sales of Khadi and village industry products grew significantly following the Prime Minister’s appeal to buy Swadeshi products.
Special Service and Features
INDIAN COAST GUARD RESCUE 09 FISHERMEN OFF ANDHRA PRADESH
In a successful Search and Rescue Operation on 29 Mar 2022, Indian Coast Guard Ship Priydarshini in sea-air coordinated search located a stranded Tamil Nadu fishing boat alongwith 09 crew, adrift 95 NM away from Andhra Pradesh coast. The fishing boat had sailed from Chennai on 13 Mar 2022 for fishing and developed a technical snag on the main engine on 25 Mar 2022 and has since been drifting away from land. The stranded boat along with the distressed crew were located by the ICG aircraft operating from Chennai and the crew were comforted. ICGS Priyadarshini patrolling in area was diverted for immediate assistance. Upon reaching, the ICG Ship provided technical support, rectified the detect and made the boat operational. All 09 crew are reported to be healthy. The boat was escorted till near to the Andhra coast and likely to enter Visakhapatnam evening today.
During this rescue mission, the officials of the Indian Coast Guard were in constant communication with the boat owner and fisheries authorities. The incident once again highlights the disadvantages of fishing boats venturing out alone. The fishermen are therefore advised to undertake fishing in groups adhering to safe practices at sea and carry adequate life saving appliances and communication equipment onboard.
This is stated in a press release issued by defence wing Public Relation Officer, Chennai.
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Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
FDI can be explored in NBFCs to strengthen them for extending support to MSMEs- Shri Nitin Gadkari
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for MSME and Road Transport and Highways today held meetings via video conferencing with the representatives of Council of Leather Export, FICCI-‘NBFC Program’ and IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry on impact of COVID-19 on MSMEs.
During the interaction, the Minister mentioned that for providing much needed impetus to the MSME sector to deal with the current economic instability the government has announced Special Economic Package: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. He further explained the various support measures which have been announced for MSMEs including changes in definition of MSMEs to provide the required support to the sector. He has added that definition of medium enterprises has been further revised by increasing the investment and turnover limit basis inputs from related stakeholders.
Addressing the representatives of Council of Leather Export, the Minister mentioned that the proposal for establishing leather cluster nearby to Agra Ring Road may be submitted. These industrial clusters may develop smart cities, smart villages and other infrastructure to help the people working in leather sector of Agra. He added that the permission from Ministry of Aviation may be explored for using private airline for the purpose of sending export products.
Shri Gadkari said that the need of the hour is to fight the war against COVID-19 pandemic while continuing the economic activity. The Minister further mentioned that the pandemic can be a blessing in disguise, and we need to utilize this opportunity. He emphasized on usage of PPE  and advised to maintain social distancing norms.
He mentioned that special focus is required to reduce imports from other countries. He added that Ministry of MSME is working on two booklets to cover details about last three year’s export and import.
The Minister opined that strengthening of NBFCs, state cooperative banks, district cooperative banks, credit societies etc is required to extend support to MSMEs during this challenging time. Further, FDI can be explored in NBFCs to strengthen them, which will lead towards greater support to MSMEs.
Some of the questions asked and the suggestions given included: Including traders as MSMEs, inclusion of Medium enterprises in the M/o MSME order dated 02.11.2018 related to timeline of 45 days for payment to MSMEs, incorporating digital KYCs in case of NBFCs, push required from RBI to change master KYC notification encouraging use of contact list KYC, including cotton spinning in the eligibility list of Interest Subvention Scheme, permission for cargo flight in Kanpur, reducing imports and utilizing domestic capacity, need of labour reforms to bring change in MSME sector, etc.
Shri Gadkari responded to the questions from representatives and requested for sending suggestions and assured all the help from the government.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his Jayanti. The Prime Minister said that the life of Swami Vivekananda always inspires patriotism, spirituality and hard work.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"स्वामी विवेकानंद को उनकी जयंती पर सादर नमन। उनका जीवन राष्ट्रभक्ति, आध्यात्मिकता और कर्मठता के लिए सदैव प्रेरित करता है। उनके महान विचार और आदर्श देशवासियों का मार्गदर्शन करते रहेंगे।"
Prime Minister's Office
PM releases commemorative postage stamp on Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today released a commemorative postage stamp on former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Late Shri Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister described Shri Bahuguna as a leader committed to democratic values. He said that Shri Bahuguna was inspired by many different leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, Acharya Narendra Dev, Ram Manohar Lohia, and Chandrashekhar Azad.
The Prime Minister also spoke at length about Shri Bahuguna’s contributions in the education sector, and development in the hilly areas of the country.
Minister of State  for Communication, Shri Manoj Sinha, was present on the occasion. Family members of Shri Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, including Shri Vijay Bahuguna and Dr. Rita Bahuguna were also present on the occasion.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
On Yoga Day 2020, do watch Celebrities Speak, a collage of ten short films by Films Division
Mumbai, June 20, 2020
On the occasion of International Day of Yoga  on 21st June 2020, Films Division is screening a series of public awareness films under ‘Celebrities Speak…’, highlighting importance of Yoga for physical and mental well being. The multilingual collage of ten short films featuring celebrities from all over India will be streamed for 24 hours on 21st June on Films Division's website https://filmsdivision.org/  and on Films Division's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/FilmsDivision
In ‘Celebrities Speak’, renowned singer, Asha Bhosle and well known artists, Kabir Bedi, Mohanlal, Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Ramesh Aravind, Venkatesh, Rana Daggubati, Shiva Raj Kumar, Shivaji Satam, Sonali Kulkarni, Purnima Saikia, Ritabhari Chakraborty, cricketer Anil Kumble and many more share their experience of how Yoga and Pranayam help to bring balance between body, soul and mind.
This year the IDY comes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The health-enhancing and stress-busting benefits of Yoga are especially more relevant today. Due to the restrictions on the movement of people and a slowdown in daily activity, the IDY 2020 will focus on health rewards and on doing Yoga at home on 21 June 2020. The theme of IDY 2020 is “Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family”. The Hon’ble Prime Minister in his Mann Ki Baat address to the nation on 31st May had called upon one and all to participate in the ‘My Life, My Yoga’ video blogging contest for IDY 2020. Films Division is adding flavor to IDY 2020 by requesting people to practise Yoga at home and watch short films on 21st June where celebrities exhort people to practise Yoga regularly.
Please visit www.filmsdivision.org and click “Documentary of the Week” or follow FD YouTube Channel to enjoy the short films on Yoga. Spread the word among friends and loved ones.